Mystery of the White Lions: Children of the Sun God

by Linda Tucker

A true legend unfolding in our own extraordinary times.

African shamanism teaches that nature is magical, and magic is natural.

After being rescued from a life-threatening encounter with lions in the Timbavati game region by a sangoma known as the 'Lion Queen', Linda Tucker embarks on a journey into the mysteries of the most sacred animal on the African continent: the legendary White Lion. It is a mystical journey into the knowledge and ceremonies of Old Africa, in which humans and lions are able to cross the species barrier - in accordance with the most guarded secrets of Ancient Egypt and humankind's greatest riddle, the sphinx. It is also a real living journey.

Scientists in our day have established that humankind's most significant evolutionary leap occurred as a result of our ancestors' interaction with great cats. The White Lion is a generic rarity of Panthera leo, and occurred in one region only on earth: Timbavati. Today White Lions form the centre of the notorious 'canned' trophy hunting industry - hand reared captive lions, shot in enclosures for gross money. By contrast, shamans believe that killing a lion-sun god is the ultimate sacrilege. How the human species treats such precious symbols of God in nature may determine how nature treats the human species.

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction, Spirituality, History, Science

352 pages, Paperback

First published May 3, 2010

Reviews

[Sheridan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the message that Linda is trying to get across, just not the method. I found this book very difficult to read - such interesting concepts and research, but I just couldn't get on with the way it was written. I am so happy that SA has now banned canned hunting. Can not believe that anyone would want to kill such rare, majestic and spiritually important creatures for "sport". Long live the white lions!

[Beth78]

When I started reading this book I couldnt stop. It gives a detailed insight into African Astrology and the Lion connection. It is indeed a must read to understand astrology in an African context. Will read it again!Linda Tucker has managed to elucidate fully the idea of the connection between the lion and the sun....as seen in African oral tradition.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

After seeing The White Lions program on PBS a friend mentioned this book to me. I find the story of the white lions of Timbavati compelling and appreciated the depth of the author's mystical journey as she discovered more and more about them, talking to scientists, historians, shamans and even a lion tamer. But I was hungry to hear more about her interactions with the white lions. The first encounter she described was riveting, but most of the book was a chronology of her research. Still, Tucker is doing amazing work with her White Lion Protection Trust, trying to save these rare animals from genetic inbreeding and the cruel practice of canned hunting. I feel I've been made aware of their plight and their special message for humankind.

[Juanita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this book while listening to Andrew Harvey talk about sacred activism. It is hard to resist a book with a story starting with Linda Tucker being surrounded by lions on a safari in Africa, when a woman walks to them with a baby on her back and 2 children...

From there Linda goes on a life changing journey involving Timbavati and the White Lions. This book is humbling on many levels, and an important piece of work for this day and age.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a truly fascinating book. I hears her speak at the first Animals in Awareness conference in March 2012, about her journey in saving the white lions. Her book was even better - pulling together the history of the lions in africa, shamanic teachings, the spiritual connection of lions and mankind - fascinating. Another book that makes you want to find out more

[Joy Clayton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing Book so far!

[Ruth Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book

[Lauren Edie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fascinating book- a blend of solid Science and a wonderful, personal experience with a White Lion shaman in Africa.

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very compelling book. Heard about it from a friend. I was not familiar with the shamans of Africa or the story of the white lions and how they fit into the African mythology.

[Linde · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have no idea what to think about it. It was interesting, but I don't think this is my type of book

[Josika · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up 'Mystery Of The White Lions', (from the lockthebox event) as it is highly recommended by Colin wilson- one of the most distinguished authors dabbling in alternative theories.
The author portrays her spiritual journey among the Lion Tribe in Timbavati, alongside Shaman Credo Mutwa and his disciple, Maria.
Tucker's connect with the people of Timbavati is truly brought out by her numerous narrations of the insider world of shamanism.
She traces the roots of white lion references to ancient Egypt and also explains their significance in symbolically representing gold and key parameters in astronomy and also, the theoreticised mystic leonine-sapien bon!
She goes on to scientifically explain the white lion gene (no, they are not albino lions!) and how no significant measures have been taken for their conservation. You see, the 'white' colour of these lions (as opposed to the usual tawny colour) is due to a pair of recessive genes. Hence, only if lions who harbour this gene(even if they do not overtly express it) breed together- is there a chance of a white lion offspring. Since the colouration solely depends on the recessive gene combination- white lions are not categorised into a stand-alone sub species and so, apt measures for their conservation previously had not been taken.
In a time where canned trophy hunting was counted as a dignified sport, the only way to actually conserve said white lions would be breed them in captivity. Now, the trouble with this is the plausibility of an inbreeding depression.
All in all: the book does harbour very catholic undertones which honestly put me off from time to time but I definitely did learn a lot from reading it and would recommend it.
What's absolutely remarkable about the book, or rather , the outcome of this book is the formation of the Global White Lion Protection Trust, ensuring conservation of these enthralling leonines.
Hats off to Tucker for single handedly bringing this change into motion!

[Federico Venturin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Apprezzo l'impegno dell'autrice nella salvaguardia della natura e dei leoni bianchi in particolare, tuttavia ho trovato questo libro scritto (e tradotto) piuttosto male: eccessivamente lungo, poco scorrevole, spesso ripetitivo e noioso. Questo giudizio riguarda esclusivamente la forma e non le credenze dell'autrice, che rispetto pur non condividendole minimamente.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

History of the white lions of South Africa and their connection to African and Egyptian religion and shamanism as well as a cry for the conservation of all lions in Africa, but especially the white ones.

[mag · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*
Wow... non so nemmeno cosa dire, sento che questo libro, letto per caso, mi ha cambiata. Bellissimo, incredibili le parti sui leoni, mi hanno un po' annoiata le parti storiche e geografiche ma il resto... sono senza parole.

[Alison]

on my kindle

[Janice]

May come back to it.. just not into it right now.

[Kendra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting analysis of animal symbolism.

[Alex T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating 3.5 stars

Definitely a very interesting one!

Full review at: https://skybookcorner.blogspot.com/20...